This page covers academic planning for New York high school students interested in healthcare careers, including Regents diploma requirements, AP® and IB course selection, dual enrollment through SUNY and CUNY, specialized high school options, and college planning.
Regents Diploma Requirements and Pre-Health Planning
New York State requires students to earn a Regents Diploma (standard or Advanced Regents Diploma) for graduation. The Advanced Regents Diploma requires passing Regents exams in more subjects, including additional math and science exams, and is the appropriate target for pre-health students. The science Regents exams include Living Environment (biology), Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics. Pre-health students should aim to pass Living Environment, Chemistry, and Physics Regents exams at minimum, and ideally earn scores above 85 (which earns the “Mastery” designation on some transcripts).
The Regents sequence provides a solid but basic science foundation. To prepare for the rigor of college-level pre-med courses, supplement Regents-level courses with AP® or IB courses whenever possible. AP® Biology, AP® Chemistry, and AP® Physics cover content at a depth much closer to what you will encounter in college, and strong AP® exam scores (4 or 5) may earn you college credit that allows you to begin advanced coursework sooner in your undergraduate program.
AP® and IB Course Planning
New York high schools vary widely in their AP® and IB offerings. Large suburban high schools and specialized NYC schools typically offer the full range of AP® sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics 1, Physics 2, Physics C, Environmental Science) and AP® Psychology. Smaller rural schools may offer fewer options. If your school does not offer a specific AP® course, explore options including online AP® courses (AP® courses are available through providers approved by the College Board), dual enrollment at a nearby SUNY or CUNY campus (see below), or self-study for the AP® exam (the College Board allows students to take AP® exams without having taken the corresponding course).
Recommended sequence: Freshman year, Living Environment or honors biology. Sophomore year, Chemistry (Regents or honors) or AP® Chemistry if your school allows. Junior year, AP® Biology and AP® Chemistry (if not yet taken). Senior year, AP® Physics and any remaining advanced sciences. Also consider AP® Psychology (covers content tested on the MCAT® behavioral sciences section) and AP® Statistics (builds quantitative skills needed for research and evidence-based medicine). See our AP® and IB Courses for Pre-Med page for detailed guidance on course selection.
Dual Enrollment Through SUNY and CUNY
New York offers significant dual enrollment opportunities through both the SUNY (State University of New York) and CUNY (City University of New York) systems. SUNY dual enrollment programs vary by campus but generally allow qualifying high school juniors and seniors to take college courses for credit at reduced tuition rates. Some programs are taught at the high school by approved teachers; others require students to attend classes on the college campus. Science courses available through dual enrollment may include general biology, general chemistry, anatomy and physiology, psychology, and others.
CUNY College Now: CUNY’s College Now program provides free college-level courses to New York City public high school students who meet academic eligibility requirements. College Now courses are taught at CUNY campuses and earn college credit that transfers within the CUNY system and often to other institutions. Science and health-related courses are available at some participating campuses. This program is entirely free for eligible students, making it one of the most valuable academic resources for NYC pre-health students. Visit cuny.edu/academics/k-16-initiatives/college-now.
College in the High School: Several SUNY campuses (including the University at Albany, Stony Brook, and Binghamton) offer College in the High School programs where high school teachers deliver college-level courses in the high school building for university credit. Check with your guidance counselor about availability at your school.
Specialized High Schools and CTE Programs
New York offers several specialized educational options for students with strong science and healthcare interests. NYC Specialized Science High Schools: Bronx High School of Science, Stuyvesant High School, Brooklyn Technical High School, High School of American Studies at Lehman College, and Queens High School for the Sciences at York College are among the most academically rigorous public high schools in the country. Admission is by competitive exam (SHSAT) or audition. Students at these schools have access to advanced science curricula, research mentors, and college-level courses that provide extraordinary preparation for pre-health pathways.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Health Science Programs: Many New York high schools offer CTE pathways in health sciences, health technology, or biomedical sciences. These pathways provide structured, career-focused curricula that may include medical terminology, anatomy, clinical skills, phlebotomy, CNA preparation, and health career exploration. BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) in regions outside NYC operate regional CTE programs that serve students from multiple school districts. NYC students can access CTE programs through their school or through CTE transfer options. See our CTE and HOSA® page.
SAT®, ACT®, and College Planning
New York does not currently administer the SAT® as a statewide school-day test (unlike some other states), so students must register and pay for the SAT® or ACT® independently. Fee waivers are available for students from low-income families through your school guidance counselor. Free preparation resources include Khan Academy® for SAT® prep (linked to your College Board/PSAT results for personalized study) and official ACT® practice tests available free on act.org. See our Standardized Test Prep page.
New York students have outstanding in-state college options for pre-health education. SUNY campuses (Stony Brook, Binghamton, Buffalo, Albany, Geneseo, and others) offer strong pre-med programs at public university tuition rates. The CUNY system (including Hunter College, City College, Brooklyn College, Baruch, and Queens College) provides affordable pre-health education accessible to New York City residents. The Excelsior Scholarship covers SUNY and CUNY tuition for qualifying New York families (household income up to $125,000), making these institutions among the most affordable pre-med options in the country. Private institutions in New York (NYU, Columbia, Cornell, Rochester, Syracuse, Fordham, Hofstra, and many others) offer additional options, often with significant financial aid for qualifying students. See our Choosing a Pre-Med College page.
New York is also home to several BS/MD programs (combined undergraduate and medical school programs that guarantee medical school admission). Programs at SUNY campuses, Hofstra/Northwell, Rochester, and others provide accelerated or guaranteed pathways for exceptional students. These programs are highly competitive. See our BS/MD Programs page for details.
Financial Aid for New York College Students
New York offers several state financial aid programs that make college significantly more affordable for pre-health students. The Excelsior Scholarship covers SUNY and CUNY tuition (but not fees, room, or board) for New York families with household income up to $125,000. Combined with federal Pell Grants and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards, the Excelsior Scholarship can make SUNY and CUNY campuses essentially tuition-free for qualifying students. The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides need-based grants for students at both public and private New York colleges. The Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA) program provides tuition assistance at participating private colleges. These programs make New York one of the most affordable states for pre-health undergraduate education, particularly at SUNY and CUNY campuses. Apply by filing the FAFSA as early as possible (October 1 for the following academic year). Visit hesc.ny.gov for current program details and eligibility requirements.
When planning your college applications, consider the total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation) rather than just the sticker price. A SUNY campus with Excelsior Scholarship coverage may cost significantly less than a private university even after the private school’s financial aid package. Since you will likely face additional tuition for medical school, PA school, or another professional program after your bachelor’s degree, minimizing undergraduate debt is a smart financial strategy. See our Financial Aid Basics and Medical School Debt pages for detailed financial planning guidance.
References
New York State Education Department. “Graduation Requirements.” NYSED, 2025. http://www.nysed.gov/. Accessed March 2026.
CUNY. “College Now.” CUNY, 2025. https://www.cuny.edu/. Accessed March 2026.
Khan Academy. “SAT Prep.” Khan Academy, 2025. https://www.khanacademy.org/sat. Accessed March 2026.